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Print Friendly MapThe Truckee River Legacy Trail follows its namesake river’s south side from downtown Truckee to the Glenshire neighborhood. The trail provides scenic views of the Truckee River and the High Sierra Crest. Access to several parks, as well as picnic tables, benches, and interpretive signage, is available throughout the route. The trail is popular among hikers, cyclists, birders, and fishers. The State of California, which has designated portions of the Truckee River as Wild Trout Water, manages nearly 11 miles of stream habitat to sustain wild trout species and provide recreational fishing. The Truckee River Legacy Trail is part of the Tahoe–Pyramid Bikeway, which connects trails and on-road routes between Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake in Nevada.
The trail’s current western endpoint is in Truckee River Regional Park. (The Town of Truckee is extending the trail westward. Once complete, the trail will run from Donner Memorial State Park to its current eastern endpoint on Glenshire Drive.) Start at the south end of the park at the intersection of Palisades Drive and Old Brockway Road. At this signed intersection, take a left to follow a paved trail that heads west, makes a switchback, and then heads north farther into the park. This intersection also marks the start of the Brockway Road Trail, which heads 1 mile southeast and connects to additional trails in Martis Valley.
At 62 acres, Truckee River Regional Park features a ride-on miniature train, a disc golf course, gravel hiking trails, a rentable picnic shelter, river access, restrooms, and the region’s oldest man-made structure: the Stampede Circle of Stones. At least 500 years old, the circle was built by the Washoe or their predecessors, the Martis people, in Stampede Valley. The circle was moved to the regional park in 1969, shortly before construction of a dam flooded the valley.
After 1.9 miles, you have the option of taking a brief 0.4-mile spur to River-view Sports Park. To enter the park, simply take a sharp right at the fork in the trail. Once back on the Truckee River Legacy Trail, you’ll travel another 2.9 miles to the trail’s eastern endpoint at Glenshire Drive, just before the Glenshire neighborhood sign. This segment includes a bridge over Martis Creek.
For trail users opting for a one-way trip, rather than an out-and-back, start from the westernmost endpoint and head east, as there is a significant uphill grade heading west from Glenshire Drive. Trail users seeking no grade issues are advised to begin their journey at the pedestrian bridge at East River Street and head east. A bike repair station also is available at East River Street.
Also originating in downtown Truckee is the 1.5-mile Trout Creek Trail, a paved trail heading northwest to the Tahoe Donner neighborhood.
Parking is available at Truckee River Regional Park (10500 Old Brockway Rd, Truckee) and Truckee Bike Park (12180 Joerger Dr). Parking on Glenshire Drive (0.1 mile west of Berkshire Cir, 0.3 mile south of Old State Route 40) includes two designated van-accessible spaces. Parking on East River Street is adjacent to the pedestrian bridge at the east end of the street (cross the bridge over the Truckee River to reach the trail).
Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
It's such a beautiful trail. My only concern is that the dogs are not on leashes, they are allowed to run around freely. Yes they are adorable, playful whatever, but they have teeth!
Went biking with my 11 year old on 8.12.17, Saturday. We started at the trail head on the steep hill from the Truckee River Regional Park's parking lot. We rode a total of 8.36 miles downstream and back. The landscape, wildlife, countless bird species, river, and sky were a breath of fresh air for us. Segments of shady trees in between sunny spots to rest at as well as benches to sit on and take in the surrounding beauty. Bring lots of water and snacks. Highly recommended. #leaveonlyfootprints #packoutwhatyoupackin, #LoVEarth
This trail is beautiful! It runs along the Truckee river, away from roads and is a great ride for the entire family. It is fairly flat, and the Truckee river is gorgeous during this incredible spring thaw we are experiencing. There are bike rentals available in downtown Truckee at Bike Truckee.
I rode this trail today. It was in perfect shape and the views are wonderful. Suitable for any kind of bike.
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